Thymol-loaded hydrogels for diabetic wound treatment

Abstract

Diabetic wound (DW) healing remains a significant healthcare concern due to prolonged healing times and high infection rates, leading to inadequate treatment outcomes for many patients. Current therapies often fail to address the complex requirement of diabetic wounds, necessitating novel approaches. This study explores the development of a thymolloaded hydrogel as an innovative therapeutic strategy to accelerate the wound healing and prevent infections in patients with diabetes. Thymol, naturally occurring compound with well-documented anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, was encapsulated in liposomes to enhance its stability and ensure sustained release at the wound site. These thymol-loaded liposomes were then incorporated into a hydrogel matrix, synthesized through cross-linking polymerization optimized for stability, controlled release, and maintaining a moist wound environment. The hydrogel’s antibacterial efficacy was assessed using the well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Additionally, anti-biofilm assays demonstrated the hydrogel's ability to prevent biofilm formation. In-vivo experiments conducted on a diabetic rat model revealed that wounds treated with this hydrogel exhibited significantly faster healing and improved tissue regeneration compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that thymolloaded hydrogel represents a promising approach for managing diabetic wounds (DW), offering both accelerated healing and effective infection control. This novel therapeutic approach holds potential for clinical application, improving outcomes for diabetic patients suffering from chronic wounds.